In 2019, Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle featured Joy Sterling of Iron Horse Vineyards in his series of video interviews “Back Roads & Back Stories.” In this one-on-one, Ray asks about the beginnings of the estate, their commitment to sustainability, and expresses his shared opinion with Joy about why they love the wine business.
“People ask me all the time – What is it?” Joy explains.
“It’s the people.”
Related Wines
Iron Horse Vineyards
Iron Horse Vineyards Classic Vintage Brut
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
The flagship of the estate, this wine shows everything the family strives to accomplish. The quality and finesse strike memory bells that say “Champagne,” while the flavors are unmistakably Sonoma County, Russian River, Green Valley and most distinctly Iron Horse. Delightful and complex rising dough, orange marmalade and baked apple aromas lead to an exquisitely balanced palate with flavors of ripe red apple, mandarin orange and hazelnut. The complexity of flavors and textures are perhaps only overshadowed by the sheer pleasure of enjoyment.
Iron Horse Vineyards
Iron Horse Vineyards Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
Ocean Reserve is a special, limited edition, vintage Blanc de Blancs, created in partnership with National Geographic. Iron Horse dedicated its Blanc de Blancs to National Geographic’s Ocean Initiative as a nod to the Pacific Ocean, which is the engine behind the fog and cool, coastal influence in the Green Valley; $4 per bottle sold goes to establishing marine protected areas and supporting sustainable fishing practices around the globe. The Ocean Reserve’s racy lime and tangerine notes, saline acidity, and beautiful creamy finish, conjures images of the ocean itself and pairs flawlessly with all manner of seafood.
Iron Horse Vineyards
Iron Horse Vineyards Russian Cuvée
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
Russian Cuvée has multiple layers of meaning. Originally named for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings in 1985, it also refers to the vineyard’s unique location in the Russian River Valley. The Russian Cuvée is the “richest” in the Iron Horse line up, though it is still technically brut-level dry. A perfect toasting wine, served at White House State Dinners for six consecutive Presidential Administrations, it boasts aromas of caramel apple, nutmeg and orange zest, flavors of ripe red apple, lime, brioche and brown sugar on the palate. It is equally comfortable at the end of the meal with dessert as at the start of the meal for a toast.
Iron Horse Vineyards
Iron Horse Vineyards Chardonnay
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
This pure Chardonnay is a natural beauty that showcases the extraordinary qualities of the Green Valley area. It has a crackling brightness, with stone and citrus fruits on the nose joined by an appealing minerality and spice that drive a long finish. The best of both worlds, this bottling combines the tension between concentrated fruit and the raciness of the best Chablis, with a kiss of California sunshine providing fruit and supple texture: it is impossible to put down.
Iron Horse Vineyards
Iron Horse Vineyards Wedding Cuvée
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
The irresistible Wedding Cuvée has witnessed countless special moments since its inception in 1980, served at engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day celebrations. Iron Horse’s play on a Blanc de Noirs, this wine features extremely expressive and fruit forward Pinot Noir lots blended with just a touch of steely Chardonnay to add a firm acid backbone. A romantic tinge of pink in the glass hints at the character of the Pinot Noir in this cuvée, and raspberry and nutmeg aromas on the nose are followed by juicy stone fruit, lively blood orange, and red berry flavors that are held seamlessly together with refined and delicate bubbles. Dangerously easy to drink.
Related Producers
Iron Horse Vineyards
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
Started in 1976 by Audrey and Barry Sterling, Iron Horse is a standout producer of Sparkling wine in America. Nestled in the cool microclimate of the Green Valley AVA, Iron Horse’s 300 acre estate is home to 164 acres of vineyard, split evenly between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The second generation, Joy Sterling and her brother Laurence, oversee the estate, and have dedicated their time and attention to improving vineyard practices, implementing regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, and advocating for their community and the environment.
